Clear Retainers

Retainers are used to hold teeth in place. Teeth can continue to move all your life and retainers can prevent them from becoming crooked again. Clear retainers are popular, but there are a few special considerations. They can wear out if you grind your teeth and they are definitely easier to lose.

Instructions

1. Wear your retainer all the time (except to eat, drink anything except water or wear a mouthguard if you require one for an activity) unless you have been specifically instructed otherwise.  If in doubt, please ask!
   
   
2. Clean your retainer immediately when you take it out, before bed and first thing in the morning
   
   · Take the retainer out and carefully brush the inside, outside and biting surfaces of all your teeth
   
   · Hold the retainer in the palm of your hand and carefully brush the inside and outside surfaces. Do not use toothpaste to clean your retainer, it is too abrasive
   
   · You may use products such as Polydent following the manufacturer’s instructions
   
   · Rinse the retainer thoroughly with cool water (hot water will distort the retainer)
   
   
3. Replace the retainer in your mouth as soon as you have cleaned it
   
   
4. Avoid flipping or playing with the retainer with your tongue.  (This annoys others and will eventually crack your retainer)
   
   
5. The safest place for your retainer is in your mouth.  If you take it out:
   
   DON’T     wrap it in a paper napkin or tissue.  (It may get thrown out)
   
   DON’T     put it in your pocket.  (You may break it or it may end up in the laundry where heat will distort it)
   
   DON’T     leave it on your dresser or in the washroom.  (Remember, youngsters can be curious and dogs have a particular fascination for retainers as well)
   
   DON’T     put your retainer in hot water if it is dropped in an unsanitary place.  (It will warp.) Wash it with soap and cool water
   
   DO             put the retainer in a plastic case with a good lid if you must take it out of your mouth.  Keep it out of the heat so it won’t warp. Your name, address and phone number should be taped inside the case.  We supply the case and sticker for you.
   
   DO             look after your retainer; a replacement costs at least $200.
   
   
6. If your retainer is irritating your gums of lips, please return to see us as soon as possible.  If your retainer is lost or broken or doesn’t fit right, please return to see us as soon as possible. Bring your retainer or any pieces with you
   
   Long Term
   
   · Gradually you will be able to reduce the hours that you wear your retainers. We will let you know the timetable.
   
   · Once you only need to wear your retainers at night, try and be very consistent. If you ever notice that the retainer does not fit the same or seems tight - wear it all the time and then book an appointment to come back and have it checked as soon as you can.
   
   · Check your retainer for wear. If it looks like you are grinding through it, you should check back with us. For people who grind their teeth at night, often a night guard is an option.